Ascension day: Presence not absence

Ascension Day: Presence, not absence

Ascension Day is one of the most important days in the Church’s calendar. It has been celebrated since the fourth century and has played a significant part in the life and culture of many Christian countries. It forms a fundamental part of the New Testament message about Jesus, although the actual story is only found twice, once in Luke 24:50–53 and once in Acts 1:9–11. Like other events in the life of Jesus, the ascension has been painted by numerous artists who have tried to bring out its meaning. There are many icons, frescoes and mosaics depicting the ascension, and a famous painting (1636) by Rembrandt in an art museum in Munich, Germany…